The Ghana Armed Forces has stepped up efforts to contain the recent surge in violent attacks in Bawku and the spread of insecurity into nearby districts including Binduri.
This was disclosed by the Chief of Army Staff, Major General Lawrence Kwaku Gbetanu, during a one-day working visit to the Upper East Region on Friday, June 27.
According to General Gbetanu, the army has brought the recent resurgence of violence in Bawku and Binduri under control and is continuing with ongoing peacekeeping and stabilization operations in the areas.
The visit marks the second time Major General Gbetanu has toured the region since assuming office earlier this year.
His itinerary included key engagements aimed at assessing the readiness of troops and rallying support for peacebuilding initiatives. The Army Chief visited Sandema, where he toured the 12 Mechanised Battalion to evaluate its operational preparedness in the face of emerging security threats.
He later paid a courtesy call on the Sandema Paramount Chief, Naab Azagsuk Azantilow II, where the Overlord, speaking through his spokesperson, Pontius Pilate Apabey Baba, appealed for the military’s support in combating a rise in armed robbery and drug abuse in the area.
“We have been threatened by the operations of notorious armed robbers who raid and rob our innocent citizens in the course of their business operations. We acknowledge and appreciate the presence of the police, but we think that a military-Police cooperation will bring that disturbing situation to a halt”. The Sandema Naab, appealed.
General Gbetanu also visited the 11 Mechanised Infantry Battalion in Bolgatanga and its detachment in Paga, where he commended officers and men for their professionalism and urged them to maintain high standards in the discharge of their duties.
“You are a strategic and unique unit of the Ghana Army based on your area of deployment and area of operational responsibility. So, I commend you all for what you’re doing”. General Gbetanu said.
The Army Commander’s visit extended to the conflict-prone zones of Binduri and Bawku, where he met with members of the Joint Task Force. He emphasized the importance of collaboration and discipline in the ongoing peace efforts and encouraged the troops to remain steadfast.
Wrapping up his tour, Major General Gbetanu inspected military installations and engaged directly with personnel on the ground to assess their operational readiness. He assured the troops of the army’s continued logistical support to boost their efficiency and effectiveness in maintaining peace and security across the region.
“Whatever it takes to make sure that we retool ourselves to enhance our operational efficiency, we will do it. You should remain professional and perform your task without any problem”.
